NYC politician petitions against aggressive toll

We are quick to criticize politicians for not doing enough for us, but there are plenty of examples to the contrary. A recent petition demanding a fair toll in New York City is a great example.

As of March 19, tolls for several New York City bridges increased, which will cost commuters up to $17 and truckers $92. But there’s a kicker: That $17 dollar rate only applies to non-Staten Island resident. Staten Island residents get a discount.

Currently, tolls entering Staten Island from the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge for passenger vehicles is $17 or $11.52 with E-ZPass. However, Staten Island residents receive a discount rate of $5.74.

This means that Brooklynites who have to cross the bridge for work can pay up to $85 during a five-day work week. Meanwhile, Staten Island residents working in Brooklyn would only pay $28.70. As you would imagine, Brooklynites are not too happy about this one-way street.

One New York City councilman has had enough and urges those affected to sign a petition urging the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to end the aggressive toll.

“On our side of the Narrows, students, professionals, and blue collar workers are tired of listening to the same old tune by the MTA,” Councilman Vinnie Gentiles says in the petition. “That is why I am calling on the MTA to play fair, once and for all, by instituting the same toll discount plan given to Staten Islanders for Brooklynites who live in the surrounding zip codes on the Brooklyn side of the bridge.”

President Trump’s infrastructure plan could lead to a significant increase in toll roads. Estimated at $1 trillion, somebody has to pay for it.

Politics start at the local level. What local politicians do can affect you and your family’s life more than what Congress and the White House do. Rally the troops and contact your local councilmember. They’re more likely to adhere to your demands than any other politician since you are practically neighbors.

Participate and engage or sit on the sidelines quietly. Those are the only two options.

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Tyson Fisher, staff writer and research associate, joined Land Line Magazine in March 2014. An award-winning journalist and tireless researcher, his news reports, features and blogs bring depth to our editorial content, backed with solid detail. Tyson received his journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

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